Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe

Picture this: it’s the end of a long day, and you’re craving something hearty and soul-satisfying. Enter Cowboy Spaghetti—your new go-to dish that combines the smoky goodness of bacon with a bold, barbecue-infused sauce. It’s like a rodeo on your taste buds, all from the comfort of your kitchen.

Cowboy Spaghetti is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for satisfying your rustic cravings. I love combining the smoky richness of bacon with the robust blend of ground beef, minced garlic, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika.

Crushed tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and beef broth create a deliciously clingy sauce with the spaghetti. A sprinkle of shredded Cheddar cheese as the finishing touch makes this 100 percent comfort food.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: A source of carbohydrates, offers energy-boosting benefits.
• Ground Beef: Provides protein and essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.
• Bacon: Adds smoky flavor; contributes protein and fat.
• Onion: Infuses natural sweetness and contains beneficial antioxidants.
• Garlic: Adds pungent flavor; known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers a smoky, mildly spicy flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, they add saucy texture.
• Beef Broth: Deepens flavor; contributes additional minerals and collagen.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers creaminess with protein, calcium, and fat.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make this

1. Boil a large pot of water, adding a generous amount of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. Follow the cooking time recommended on the package; for most brands, it’s around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.

3. Place the ground beef in the skillet and brown it, breaking it up with a spoon. Pour off any excess fat.

4. Place the chopped onion and garlic into the ground beef and cook until the mixture is smooth and soft.

5. Combine the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Ensure the seasonings are to your liking in terms of salt and pepper.

6. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, barbecue sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine.

7. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer and then cook it for about 10 minutes. Letting the mixture simmer and then cooking it for a few minutes longer really helps meld the flavors in this dish.

8. Incorporate the bacon and cooked spaghetti, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

9. Top with the shredded Cheddar cheese and let it melt for a couple of minutes before serving.

10. Before serving warm, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your Cowboy Spaghetti!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Stove
3. Large skillet
4. Slotted spoon
5. Spoon
6. Colander
7. Cutting board
8. Knife
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cup
11. Wooden spoon or spatula
12. Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Indeed, you have the option to replace spaghetti with various pasta forms such as penne, fusilli, or linguine, should you wish for a different presentation.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?A vegetarian version can be achieved by using plant-based substitutes for meat, or by leaving out the meat and doing this instead: add more kinds of veggies, like bell peppers and zucchini.
• How can I make it spicier?To amp up the heat, boost the quantity of chili powder or toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can make the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge for as long as two days. When you’re ready to serve, cook the spaghetti fresh.
• What toppings can I add?In addition to parsley, you can also use sliced jalapeños, diced green onions, or sour cream to top and add flavor to this dish.
• Can I use a different cheese?Sure. You can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack cheese for a twist.
• How do I store leftovers?Save uneaten food in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good to eat for another three days. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Cowboy Spaghetti Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta.
Beef that is ground: Turkey or chicken that is ground.
Bacon: Pancetta or turkey bacon.
Monterey Jack cheese or Colby cheese: Cheddar cheese.
Barbecue sauce: Use homemade barbecue sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the flavor of the beef, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This helps it brown more evenly.

2. For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the skillet after cooking the beef with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. This adds depth to the sauce.

3. To add a smoky kick, consider using a smoked cheddar or an additional sprinkle of smoked paprika when topping the dish with cheese.

4. For a creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese before adding the spaghetti to the skillet.

5. If you desire more texture, try adding some sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms alongside the onion and garlic. They complement the dish well with added flavor and nutrition.